My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?

Direct answer

The landlord must keep the home in usable condition: heating, water, electricity, a roof that does not leak. Write a dated repair request with a deadline (two weeks is normal, 24 hours for no heating in winter) — the letter is what every next step is built on. Then Husleietvistutvalget (HTU) (22 92 70 00) is the body for tenancy disputes in Norway, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Leieboerforeningen (leieboerforeningen.no) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Kommunen — miljørettet helsevern (helsedirektoratet.no) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstHusleietvistutvalget (HTU)

Report toLeieboerforeningen

If that failsKommunen — miljørettet helsevern

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] the [heating / boiler / roof / …] at [address] is [defect]. I asked you on [date] with no result. Please repair it by [deadline]. If not, I will reduce the rent proportionally from [date] and refer the matter to Husleietvistutvalget (HTU)."

🪜 Step by step

Write, dated, with photosEmail or letter with the defect, the date it started, photos and a deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Know the remediesRent reduction from the day of the report in most countries; repair yourself and deduct after a written warning; the tenancy board for anything bigger.
Health or safety at risk? Kommunen — miljørettet helsevernThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Husleietvistutvalget (HTU)Free or low-fee, no lawyer. Bring the letters and photos. Decisions bind the landlord.
Do not stop paying rent outrightReduce proportionally and say why in writing; a full stop can become grounds for eviction.

📇 All contacts

Husleietvistutvalget (HTU)Decides tenancy disputes without a lawyer, low feeWhen the claim is unpaid after the deadline📞 22 92 70 00 🔗 www.htu.no

LeieboerforeningenAdvice and support for membersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 www.leieboerforeningen.no

Kommunen — miljørettet helsevernUnhealthy housing, mould, pests, noiseWhen health is at risk at home🔗 www.helsedirektoratet.no/tema/miljorettet-helsevern

Fri rettshjelp (Statsforvalteren) / Jussbuss, JURKLegal aid on low income; free student legal clinicsWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.statsforvalteren.no/portal/folk-og-samfunn/fri-rettshjelp

ForbrukertilsynetGuidance and mediation between you and the seller, freeWhen the shop refuses📞 23 400 600 🔗 www.forbrukertilsynet.no

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fix it and deduct the cost?

In most countries yes, after a written notice with a reasonable deadline, for necessary repairs, at a reasonable price. Keep the invoices. Check with Leieboerforeningen first for your country's rule.

How much rent reduction?

Proportional to the loss of use: a broken boiler in winter can justify 20–50 %, a dripping tap almost nothing. Leieboerforeningen has tables from past decisions.

The landlord threatens to evict me for complaining

Retaliatory eviction is not a valid ground anywhere in the EU. Keep everything in writing and tell Leieboerforeningen.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“landlord refuses repairs Norway”
“rent reduction repairs not done”
“tenant rights repairs Norway”
“no heating landlord what to do”
“report unfit housing”

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🔧 My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?